A group of 10 women – named the Poolie Plodders – have been stepping up their game to fundraise for Macmillan Cancer Support and the Alzheimer’s Society. In the past couple of years, they have raised almost £6,000.
Sarah Lyones, a member of the group, says: “I joined the walking group to do something good for myself, to move more, laugh more, and spend time with people who genuinely lift you up. We’ve raised money for charities, supported each other and had the kind of laughs that stay with you.”
The group has been commended by mental health experts as an excellent example of women coming together to boost wellbeing and manage stress.
Walking helped member Heidi Paylor to manage stress while going through separation and divorce. Heidi works as a receptionist for people seeking NHS community mental health support in Hartlepool. She says that her job is fast-paced and rewarding, and that it was a good distraction from her situation.
Outside of work, Heidi took to walking a lot with her little dog, Blanche, to manage feelings of stress.
She went on: “I made friends with a group of women through a mutual friend and joined them on a walk from Seaham to Hartlepool Coastal Route. During this walk we talked and realised that a few of us were going through difficult times. We offered advice and support to each other and would meet a few times a week after work and at weekends to walk and talk.”
From here, the women established the walking group.
Poolie Plodder, Kim Johnson, says: “For many years, my life has been about caring for others. Life is busy, rewarding and often emotionally draining, and somewhere along the way I realised I needed to do something just for me. There are days when life can feel overwhelming. The walking group has given me strength, confidence and joy at a time in my life when I needed it most. That simple decision to go for a walk has truly changed my life.”
The Poolie Plodders took on Macmillan’s 13-mile Northumberland hike last September. And, this July, the group completed the Alzheimer’s Society’s Trek26 Lake District challenge – a 26-mile hike!
Julie Howard says “We’ve been fantastically supported by those who have sponsored us which is humbling. But also forging friendships along the way has been an incredibly life-changing thing for me” while another Poolie Plodder, Stacy Kirton, said: “What started as a walking group has turned into something truly special. It’s about so much more than walking. It’s about friendship, support, wellbeing, and making a difference together.”
Fellow member of the group, Keeley Brand, added: “I’ve personally gained so much from being part of the group and feel very grateful for the friendships, encouragement and support.”
Kizzie Hodgson, Lead Nurse for Physical Health Care at Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust added: “There are many proven health benefits of exercise. This includes better mental health. From research we know that exercise can increase your energy levels, as well as having benefits for your self-esteem, mood and sleep quality. Plus, it can reduce your risk of stress and depression.”
Readers can visit the Poolie Plodders’ fundraising page
